Summer Bridge 2009

Other than perhaps a long vacation or a brief study abroad, most college-bound students have never really lived and studied away from home. So, how do you make the transition from being a high school student to becoming a young adult student living away from home for an extended period of time? The Summer Bridge Program is a great way to get started on the right foot down the road of a whole new world!

What is Summer Bridge?

The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia offers the Summer Bridge Program to first-year students in the summer before their first fall semester as a means of bridging the gap between the high school and the college experience. Summer Bridge at USP is designed to provide students with a preview of the rigors of academics on a college level as well as the residential experience.

Who should attend Summer Bridge?

Students who want to jump start their transition to USP would benefit from Summer Bridge. This program offers students pre-college mini-courses in math, biology, chemistry, and english, taught by college professors. These non-credit courses are challenging, but taught with the student's transitional needs in mind. Summer Bridge faculty and staff work closely with students to monitor their progress, identify problem areas, and develop strategies for improvement. The goal of this summer coursework is to give students a feel for USP's academic demands as well as some practice in the basics before the start of their formal college career.

How can Summer Bridge help me with the transition to college?

In addition to pre-college coursework, Summer Bridge will provide you with college readiness training in a number of areas, including study skills, time management, fitness, campus and community life, and career development. During the summer program, you will meet with academic advisors, personal counselors, and a variety of campus professionals who will introduce you to a wide range of resources available at USP to help ensure a successful college experience.

Why the program is successful?

You’ll get first-hand information from students who have ‘been there.’ Summer Bridge Peer Counselors are experienced USP students who will lead you through the orientation process and give you valuable tips based on personal experience on what it’s like to be a USP student.

When is Summer Bridge?

Summer Bridge takes place for four weeks during the summer, beginning on Sunday evenings (for students who live on campus) and ending on Thursday afternoons. Students are required to attend all four weeks of the program. There is no programming Thursday evenings through Sunday afternoons. Daily classes begin at 8 am and end at 6 pm. Students who live on campus will benefit from organized study sessions and enjoy evening activities and special programs.

What about housing?

If you don’t want to commute, you may choose to stay on campus in a residence life hall with a roommate assigned by the Summer Bridge staff. Housing is available Sunday evenings through Thursday afternoons for the four weeks of the program, at additional cost. Students who choose to live on campus must do so for the full four weeks.

What does it cost to enroll in Summer Bridge?

For information on 2009 Summer Bridge costs, please use the contact information below.

Enrollment Options:

Biology/Math (including housing, meals and books) - Student resides on campus Sunday evenings through Thursday afternoons and attends classes plus College Readiness course.

Biology/Math commuter (cost will include lunch and books) - Student attends both classes plus College Readiness course. The day begins at 8am and ends at 5pm.

Chemistry/English (including housing, meals and books) - Student resides on campus Sunday evenings through Thursday afternoons and attends classes plus College Readiness course.

Chemistry/English commuter (cost will include lunch and books) - Student attends both classes plus College Readiness course. The day begins at 8am and ends at 5pm.

How do I apply to Summer Bridge?

Enrollment is limited to 30 students. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be accepted to the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in order to be enrolled in the Summer Bridge Program. If you would like to request an application or recieve further information, please call us at 215.596.8538.